At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a culinary team to create innovative, nutritious menus for students.
- Company: Caterlink, a top school caterer focused on fresh food and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Earn £18.00 per hour with a term-time contract for great work-life balance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for career growth and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through delicious, healthy meals.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, strong leadership, and a passion for fresh ingredients.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 18 £ per hour.
Location: St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Belfast
Contract Type: Term Time
Salary: £18.00 per hour
Company: Caterlink
About Us
Caterlink is one of the UK’s leading school caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services exclusively to schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering provision to suit children of all ages and meet the bespoke requirements of each school. The safety and wellbeing of the pupils we serve is at the heart of everything we do. Through rigorous training, clear communication, and exceptional care, we ensure robust allergen management so that every mealtime is a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate, hands-on Executive Chef / Head Chef to lead our culinary team at St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School. In this role, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, driving food standards, managing operations, and delivering outstanding, nutritious food experiences to pupils, staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Leadership: Design and deliver fresh, innovative, and compliant menus that appeal to students while meeting nutritional guidelines.
- Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily food preparation, production, and service, ensuring the highest standards of presentation and quality.
- Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team, managing rotas and fostering a positive working environment.
- Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict health and safety, food hygiene (HACCP), and impeccable allergen management protocols.
- Financial Control: Manage food costs, stock control, and wastage to ensure the catering service operates within budget.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, ideally within a high-volume education, contract catering, or commercial environment.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing a kitchen team.
- Passion for fresh food and a strong understanding of current food trends and nutrition for young people.
- Excellent knowledge of Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Allergen legislation.
- Relevant culinary qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and Food Hygiene Level 3/4 is highly desirable.
Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the benefits of a Term-Time contract, offering excellent work-life balance around school holidays. Competitive hourly rate of £18.00. Ongoing training, career development, and progression opportunities within Caterlink.
Qualifications Candidate Profile:
- Ideally, you will have experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high-profile business and industry setting.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Passionate about fresh, quality ingredients and innovative menus.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and financial management skills.
- Knowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and allergen control.
Additional Information
We pride ourselves on:
- People first: We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always: Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education: We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do: Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking: New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Executive Chef / Head Chef employer: Caterlink
Caterlink is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School in Belfast. With a focus on work-life balance through a term-time contract, competitive pay, and ongoing training opportunities, we empower our Executive Chef / Head Chef to lead a passionate culinary team dedicated to providing nutritious meals for students. Our commitment to fresh food, safety, and respect fosters a culture where creativity thrives, making it a rewarding place to grow your career in school catering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef / Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Caterlink. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Caterlink
Don't be shy about reaching out to Caterlink directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef / Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Caterlink and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterlink
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
